Spearmint | Red bell pepper | Cedar | Peanut shell

Spearmint | Rye spice | Baking spices | Cinnamon | Black pepper

Cinnamon | Cedar | Rye spice | Dry cigar box | Lingering anise note

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye was first released as a limited edition in 2020. The company announced in 2023 that this would become a permanent line extension for the brand, and it is also available as a single barrel selection on an allocated basis. Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye follows previous Jack Daniel’s rye releases that included Unaged Rye in 2012, Rested Rye in 2014, Single Barrel Rye in 2016, and Tennessee Rye in 2017, and a green labeled, higher aged, Single Barrel Rye in late 2023 and 2024.

Being a national single barrel release, proof varies between 125-145. When it comes to whiskey, many seek out the highest proof possible, especially Jack Daniels whiskey, thanks to their Coy Hill releases. As flavorful as Jack’s Coy Hill releases are, it was their lower proofed 10 Year and 12 Year releases that truly excelled. That being said, a 128 proof Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye from the 2023 release came up short for me. Though that can be the follies of single barrel releases. Case in point, this 136.6 proof Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye is a whopper and exactly what many want out of a Jack rye.

The rye opens with a big burst of spearmint that is quickly followed by red pepper, hearty cedar, and peanut shell. Though not overly complex, it's a big aroma that hits hard. That also can be said of the palate and finish. Spearmint is again present, with layers of rye spice, baking spices, cinnamon, and black pepper which lose no time making themselves known. On the finish, cinnamon and cedar hit first before rye spice and robust cigar box notes take hold. Finally, the whiskey ends on a powerful anise note that sends this rye’s sip sky high.

In a lot of ways, this particular Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye at 136.6 proof drinks like a Coy Hill release. This could have easily been bottled for a limited release, and no one would have questioned it. If you’re looking for a Coy Hill-like rye equivalent, this particular 136.6 proof single barrel release delivers a big potent sip that few ryes on the market can match.

The bottle in review comes from barrel no. 24-04596.